Wednesday, November 24, 2010

...and what wonder is this? i have been inspired and moved by the French photographer Aëla Labbé as a result of reading one of my favorite blogs Blood Milk. and for me these photos, nothing short of a breathing being that is still, represent to me an answer or commentary: so there is nothing wrong with the creative torture of a woman's soul. the absolute lust to design, create, manifest the art in ones head and share it...it's not abnormal? oh, okay...

Monday, November 15, 2010

I sometimes forget to mention that I work for one of my dearest friends, and mentor Kyle Goen. Kyle is a fine artist who works out of his DUMBO studio in Brooklyn. I serve as his loyal assistant and get to learn his process while taking on tasks of management and we design certain projects together, it's a joy in my life seriously.

Most recently, one of the bigger projects Kyle was commissioned to work on was the designing and creation of the Performa Arts benefit named "The Red Party". PERFORMA is an institution founded by the amazing RoseLee Goldberg. It was hosted by Allen Cumming and honoured renowned visual artist and filmaker, Shirin Neshat. The party theme was Russian Constructivism, and Kyle based the work off of that period of time and style.

Kyle felt quite inspired to create a gift for Shirin herself...and in the Kyle Goen fashion, this took form in a five foot portrait which he hand-painted from a projected image he had recreated in halftones. On the day of the party we set up the instillations from 9am until 5pm, the banners, the canvas, the hundreds of hand-screened flags and finally the portrait. It wound up looking amazing.New York Times focused on, unfortunately not taking a single Anne Hathaway and Cindy Sherman were in the house showing support, and that is basically what the press from photo of the actual party....but the party was so fun, I was all pregnant in my red dress rocking out to Chica Vas who stole the show!Marcus Hicks of SDN (Sara Dixon's Nova) Eco-Clothing LineAlaina Simone curator at Damon Dash's DD172 gallery in Tribeca

Photo of Anne Hathaway and RoseLee Goldberg taken by: Amber DeVossPhoto of Alaina Simone of The Dash Gallery taken by: Geraldine Visco

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

In my small night, ahthe wind has a date with the leaves of the treesin my small night there is agony of destructionlistendo you hear the darkness blowing?I look upon this bliss as a strangerI am addicted to my despair.

listen do you hear the darkness blowing?something is passing in the nightthe moon is restless and redand over this rooftopwhere crumbling is a constant fearclouds, like a procession of mournersseem to be waiting for the moment of rain.a momentand then nothingnight shudders beyond this windowand the earth winds to a haltbeyond this windowsomething unknown is watching you and me.

O green from head to footplace your hands like a burning memoryin my loving handsgive your lips to the caressesof my loving lipslike the warm perception of beingthe wind will take usthe wind will take us.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Absolutely enchanted. Some day I hope to be in Mexico on this day. What a rich and beautiful part of Mexican/Mayan culture. My Dad said to me yesterday, "You should have gone to the festival in East Harlem. I like that Mayan thing, it's great." LOL. If you only knew what that meant coming from my dad! Who will you honor today? Even though I am not Mexican or Mayan, I celebrate this to the fullest, let the ofrendas be built and the ancestors be pleased with us.

The Hand of fatima Etsy Shop

The Curious Dr. Blume

About Me

Mariam Aryai Rivera is my name...and these are the tales of a jewelery designer chasing antiques, children and dreams. Welcome, I wish I could offer you a warm cup of tea with honey, and play us some sweet tunes.
I'm from New York City, I design and handcraft jewelry for those intrigued by the past, its stories, people and secrets. All my work is created in a loving environment across from one of the oldest, historic, Victorian cemeteries in the city, that was founded as a result of overcrowding dead bodies in the downtown burial grounds from typhoid, cholera and smallpox. I'm sure this coincidence has influence on my aesthetic a bit. All my work is crafted from antique and vintage elements and are one of a kind or with few exceptions, extremely limited edition. My environmental policy is clear I hope- reduce, reuse, rejuvenate. xoxox